The Literal Life of Language

Back in the day, we’d stand in the sun,
At 2pm sharp, when the heat had begun.
Crunch time arrives when you step on your watch,
And making good time? That’s an herb you can’t botch.

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Time on your hands means you’re fixing a clock,

Time on your side is cash in your sock.
A blessing in disguise? That’s Jesus in a mask,

On Halloween night, on a saintly task.

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Being on the ball is a balancing act,
While the last straw’s a polite grocery pact.
When it’s raining cats and dogs, the SPCA’s on call,

And a rain check’s as simple as a glance at the wall.

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Take it with a grain of salt? It’s just a bit bland,
The elephant in the room’s at a zoo close at hand.

Head in the clouds? You’re tall as can be,
And seeing eye to eye means the same height you see.

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Jump on the bandwagon, but only when it’s still,

Being on the fence? Now that’s quite a thrill.
You can’t please everyone when cracking some eggs,

But find common ground, and you’ll be on good legs.

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Heart in your mouth? Better see a doc quick,
Blood’s thicker than water—just basic science, no trick.
A blue moon’s a sign you might need new sight,
And if you’re off on the wrong foot, just switch to the right.

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So here’s to the sayings that twist and they turn,

In the literal life, there’s much to discern.
With language that dances, clever and bright,

We see through each word with a child’s delight.